KALAMAZOO -- David Reeves played first base for Western Michigan University from 1963-65, twice earning All-Mid-American Conference honors, and was inducted into the WMU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006.

He later served as head baseball coach at Portage Northern High School for 13 years before his health forced him to step down in 1980. He remained a counselor and motivational speaker at Portage Northern for 35 years. Reeves lost a 40-year battle with multiple sclerosis this past February.

At Tuesday's ceremony prior to WMU's game vs Chicago State, Reeves' wife Patricia, made the announcement of a $10,000 lead gift to Western Michigan University through the David Reeves Memorial Baseball Fund.

The gift will be used towards the construction of a commemorative wall at Robert J. Bobb Stadium honoring Bronco head baseball coaches past and present.

The project will feature a bust of legendary head coach Charlie Maher, whom Reeves played for, as well as large medallions representing the other coaches, and is expected to have an overall cost in the $25,000 range.

The Reeves Family were also key members of WMU's recent stadium renovations at Hyames Field, making Diamond Club level financial contributions.

"Dave was so honored to be part of a group of wonderful people who revived the history and tradition of Hyames Field and this stadium," Patricia Reeves said.

Patricia went on to explain that David had noticed something missing at the stadium, and it was his dream to make it come true.

"He said there needed to be a way to honor the coaching tradition at this great facility. A facility is a facility, but without the people who make it come to life, that's all it is. Bronco baseball history is written through the work of wonderful coaches and ballplayers."

"On behalf of Dave and myself, we are pleased to give to the project to commemorate the coaching tradition at Western Michigan University."

"David was obviously a great athlete and ballplayer, but what I've become aware of in my year and a half at the university is that David was an even better man," said current WMU head coach Billy Gernon.

"I am honored to share in this day and on behalf of President Dunn, Athletic Director Kathy Beauregard and the Bronco baseball program, I thank the Reeves Family for the kind donations and unwavering support and loyalty to Western Michigan University. May today serve as a grand slam in the hearts of family members that live on."

Those interested in contributing to the David Reeves Memorial Baseball Fund can do so through WMU's Mike Gary Athletic Fund at (269) 387-3343 or online at: http://bit.ly/xYwZxp.